Installation Guide

HARDWOOD FLOORING
INSTALLATION
RADIANT HEAT
ADDITIONAL TIPS BEFORE BEGINNING
GLUEDOWN INSTALL
WET LAY METHOD
• The ooring surface temperature, which is the surface of the
suboor or the heat radiating from electric heating mats, should
not exceed 80°F (27°C).
• Do not use area rugs on top of engineered ooring installed over
radiant heat systems as they can trap heat, creating temperatures
that can damage the ooring.
Note: Basements and crawl spaces must be dry. Installing a 6-mil
black polyethylene membrane is required to cover 100% of the crawl
space earth. Crawl space clearance from ground to underside of joist
should be no less than 18” and perimeter vent spacing should be
equal to 1.5% of the total square footage of the crawl space area to
provide cross ventilation.
Excess moisture exposure can damage the ooring and breed mold/
mildew growth on suboor and walls. This is not considered a defect in the
ooring and issues arising from this are not covered by the manufacturer.
• The ooring should be installed by blending planks from
multiple cartons to ensure good color and shade blend throughout
the installation.
• Stagger the ends of the boards at least 6”, or longer for wider width
products, in adjacent rows.
or wet method, be sure to follow the guidelines from the adhesive
manufacturer. Failing to follow the adhesive manufacturer’s
instructions could void your oor’s warranty. Proper ventilation within
the room must be provided. A fan may be helpful.
chalk line. If installing over wood suboor alignment can also be
achieved by top nailing the rst row with nishing nails. If installing
over concrete, adjustable spacers can be used to achieve proper
alignment. These additional measures prevent slippage of the planks
that can cause misalignment.
NOTE: Most walls are not straight and therefore the planks along the
wall may have to be scribed and cut to t in order to maintain a consistent
expansion space. Try to maintain at least 2” on the scribed plank.
5. Once the ooring has been installed, go back to the start of the install
to remove the straight edges and spread adhesive on the remainder
of the open suboor. Keep in mind that the planks close to the wall
may have to be scribed and cut to t due to the wall not being straight.
NOTE: Light foot trac is allowed 12 hours after install, but wait 24 hours
after the installation to remove the painters tape (low adhesive for
delicate surfaces). After the tape is removed you can clean any adhesive
residue by using mineral spirits and a clean white cloth/towel.
This ooring can be used in combination with multiple types of
in-oor heating. The heating system can be cast in a concrete oor
or in a thin layer of ller on the surface of a concrete suboor. It can
also be installed under a wood suboor or installed on the surface
of the suboor as an electrical matting, provided it meets the oor
atness requirements.
• Follow the instructions from the manufacturer of the oor
heating system.
• Concrete suboors must be installed and cured with no heat
transfer for a minimum of 60 days.
• The heating system must be operated for at least two weeks
prior to the ooring installation.
• Prior to ooring installation, the system should be set to a
temperature suitable for installation (65° to 72°F).
• After installation, temperature should be raised slowly, 2°F, every
day until desired temperature is reached.
• Pre-plan the laying of the oor to determine best direction
of installation.
• Trims and moldings are coordinating (not matching), and so it is
best to preselect the planks you want to blend directly next to
these trims/moldings for best possible outcome.
• Remove all wall mounted moldings such as base and
quarter round.
Note: It is important to select the right compatible adhesive
depending on the suboor type and suboor conditions before
proceeding. To apply adhesive, follow the instructions from the
adhesive manufacturer. Warning: Whether installing through dry
1. Select a starter wall. It is recommended to start the installation
along an exterior wall as it is more likely to be straight and square
with the room. Measure out from the wall the width of two ooring
planks plus the plank thickness, mark each end of the room and
snap your chalk line.
2. Spread adhesive from the chalk line to the starter wall using the
recommended trowel size for the adhesive. It is important to use
the correct trowel at a 45° angle to get the proper spread of adhesive
applied to the suboor and produce a proper and permanent bond.
Improper spread can cause poor bonding which can lead to loose
planks or hollow spots in the installation.
NOTE: It is best to change the trowel every 2,000 to 3,000 square feet,
or sooner as needed, due to wearing of the teeth. If spreading adhesive
with worn teeth improper bonding can occur.
3. Install the rst row of starter planks with the tongue facing the starter
wall making sure to align the planks before securing. Alignment is
critical and can be achieved by securing a straight edge along the